Ottawa, January 20, 2012 – The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement recognizing the celebration of T?t Nguyên ?án – the Vietnamese New Year:
For people of Vietnamese heritage living in Canada and around the world, T?t is considered to be a time of rebirth and renewal. It is the largest, most important and popular holiday in the Vietnamese culture.
Vietnamese Canadians will mark the occasion at celebrations in every corner of our country. For all Canadians, T?t provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the tremendous contributions that members of the Vietnamese community have made to our country’s rich and diverse heritage.
This year we enter the Year of the Dragon, which is expected to be marked by excitement and exhilaration. Those born during this year are described as passionate, brave and self-assured.
As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I offer my best wishes to those celebrating T?t, and I hope the Year of the Dragon brings everyone health, wealth and good fortune.
For further information (media only), please contact:
Candice Malcolm
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca
Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada’s economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.
